I'm a little in shock by how much is going on right now. School is wrapping up, which means all the end of year tests, projects and assignments. Camp is gearing up which requires SO much planning and preparation.
At the same time, more and more people are getting their second shots, shul is reopening for Shabbat services THIS WEEK, and there is light at the end of this Covid tunnel. At shul, we are immersed in creating a year full of meaningful Jewish experiences for everyone, young and old.
So much happening; so much to do; so much anticipation as we journey to tomorrow. And as we are all in this together, I'm looking forward to the second session of IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Interactive Parenting Conversation, this Tuesday as we discuss SIBLING "SITUATIONS". SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PROGRAMMING INFORMATION!
TORAH TALK FOR THE TABLE with Rabbi David
Parshat KORACH - Being A Leader Korach is Moshe and Aaron's first cousin. He feels that since they are family, he should be on the same level as them; Korach wants to be the leader and he challenges Moshe and Aaron to be the leader of the Nation of Israel.
Moshe and Aaron don't argue with him. They simply answer that HaShem had put them in charge and it was not their own desire to be leaders, and they challenged Korach to see who HaShem would pick. Moshe and Aaron were chosen again and Korach was swallowed by "the mouth of the Earth" - a localized sink-hole right under the feet of Korach and his followers..
In Korach's challenge to Moshe and Aaron he doesn't tell them what they did wrong, or what he would try to do better. He just says HE should be the leader instead of them, or at least that he didn't think THEY should be the leaders.
Korach thought leadership was about having power to rule over other people and wanted that power for himself. Moshe and Aaron teach us that to be a true leader means to support other people and guide everyone to use the things that make them special and unique for the communal good.
Questions for Discussion: 1. How does Moshe's answer to Korah teach us about Moshe's leadership? 2. What could have made Korach's argument against Moshe and Aaron stronger? 3. What do you think would have happened if Korach became the leader? 4. Describe a time that you were a leader. How did other people feel about your leadership?
Shabbat Shalom!
BEBY NEXTgen THIS WEEK!!!
BEBY NEXTgen Community Connection
Do know a Jewish student starting university in Ontario this fall?
Hillel Ontario, your home for Jewish campus life, will send them a welcome gift package! We will also enroll them in our newsletters so they don’t miss out on Jewish programming, opportunities to make new friends and other great events.
Let Hillel welcome your first year student to campus before they even arrive.
For more information about what is happening at Beth Emeth check out www.beby.org.
SHABBAT SHALOM!!!
Rabbi David, Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community rabbidavid@beby.org
Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue 100 Elder Street Toronto, ON M3H 5G7
